Camping in San Diego, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
California
—
San Diego

94% (5375 reviews)

Popular camping styles for San Diego

Star Hosts in San Diego

Top camping destinations

Angeles National Forest

839 campgrounds

San Bernardino National Forest

715 campgrounds

Deep Creek Hot Springs

818 campgrounds

Joshua Tree National Park

Leo Carrillo State Park

708 campgrounds

Under $50

96%

(717)

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CA

About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.

97%

(45)

Black Canyon Family Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents53 acres · Ramona, CA

A few acres of natural land. There is a seasonal creek running through the area. It's a very quiet area. It's primitive, natural and we love it that way. The creek runs into the Cleveland national forest and down to the Mesa Grande Indian reservation. There is hiking and exploring! Come throw a tent up in one of the two camp sites or a hammock in the trees.. Hike the nature preserves in Santa Ysabel. Go to Wynola enjoy craft beverages, Josie's live music off the 76. Or just enjoy the peacefulness of the forest here and hike and reset your mind. The top 13 are residential, the bottom 40 will be open for exploring, camping, hiking and gardening! We are new homesteaders trying to do things more organically and real free range for our animals. We have a farm on the top 13 acres with cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. More animals will come soon. We will eventually like to offer food from our farm to our guests. That way they can actually see where the food comes from and how ours raised!

95%

(154)

San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA

As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space. It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip. The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher. We have multiple species of song birds. It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, or mountains, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer. Today there are just a few bees in the area.

GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

104 sites · RVs, Tents74 acres · Jamul, CA

Discover the Joy of Nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm: Your Ultimate Mountain Escape! At GoodVibes Ranch and Farm, we offer a variety of camping options to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional tent camping, glamping units, or eco-friendly trailers, we have something for everyone. We also have a stargazing deck, picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and commercial kitchen available for use while camping. Our campground is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Jamul, California, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure. In addition to camping accommodations, we offer a range of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the surrounding hiking trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf or unwind with a friendly game of billiards. We pride ourselves on providing an affordable camping experience, making it the perfect choice for families or friends looking to gather and create lasting memories. Come and discover the joy of nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, your ultimate mountain escape!

92%

(155)

The Crest Co-Op

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Spring Valley, CA

Hi! We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you! Please make sure you read this entire section to ensure a mutual fit. Please also make sure that you message us the type and length of your vehicle/camper/RV when sending a booking request. People that stay with us love our views. The view from our large driveway where you'll be parked faces north where you will see the 3 largest peaks in the region, and at the top of our driveway you can see the ocean and downtown San Diego. The sunsets are unreal! Our guests also love the recommendations. As avid travelers that fell in love with San Diego, we can offer recommendations for the best restaurants for any dietary situation, beaches, breweries, bars, surf spots, distilleries, coffee shops, hikes, or whatever you are into. When you submit a request or message, please let us know what kind of vehicle you have, especially the length. Please note that if the total length of your vehicle (for those with trailers that includes the length of the truck nad hitch) should be under 33 ft. This is a general guideline since we've found some people with larger vehicles struggle to turn around in our driveway. Also please let us know if you plan to use electricity or water, and add on the electricity since this costs us a lot of money. San Diego Gas and Energy charges the most for energy than anywhere else in the country (our average electricity bill is over $700 per month) so we unfortunately have to pass on some of these costs if you decide to plug in. Wifi and water are free. Last, if you tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking to do in San Diego we can try to make your stay more enjoyable with conversation and recommendations. A little about us: After spending a few years traveling around the world (mostly in a 20ft converted sprinter campervan) and working remotely, we chose San Diego to settle down and start a family. Our house is a fixer-upper with about an acre of land. We recently added a garden, citrus trees, grill, patio, and plan to add more amenities for campers. We love our home and the land around it, and we hope you do too! We are open to both short-term and long-term stays. We thank you for sharing our space that we call the Crest Co-op, and we thank you for contributing to our never-ending-projects-fund.

12 top campgrounds near San Diego

95%

(154)

San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA

As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space. It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip. The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher. We have multiple species of song birds. It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, or mountains, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer. Today there are just a few bees in the area.

The Crest Co-Op

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Spring Valley, CA

Hi! We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you! Please make sure you read this entire section to ensure a mutual fit. Please also make sure that you message us the type and length of your vehicle/camper/RV when sending a booking request. People that stay with us love our views. The view from our large driveway where you'll be parked faces north where you will see the 3 largest peaks in the region, and at the top of our driveway you can see the ocean and downtown San Diego. The sunsets are unreal! Our guests also love the recommendations. As avid travelers that fell in love with San Diego, we can offer recommendations for the best restaurants for any dietary situation, beaches, breweries, bars, surf spots, distilleries, coffee shops, hikes, or whatever you are into. When you submit a request or message, please let us know what kind of vehicle you have, especially the length. Please note that if the total length of your vehicle (for those with trailers that includes the length of the truck nad hitch) should be under 33 ft. This is a general guideline since we've found some people with larger vehicles struggle to turn around in our driveway. Also please let us know if you plan to use electricity or water, and add on the electricity since this costs us a lot of money. San Diego Gas and Energy charges the most for energy than anywhere else in the country (our average electricity bill is over $700 per month) so we unfortunately have to pass on some of these costs if you decide to plug in. Wifi and water are free. Last, if you tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking to do in San Diego we can try to make your stay more enjoyable with conversation and recommendations. A little about us: After spending a few years traveling around the world (mostly in a 20ft converted sprinter campervan) and working remotely, we chose San Diego to settle down and start a family. Our house is a fixer-upper with about an acre of land. We recently added a garden, citrus trees, grill, patio, and plan to add more amenities for campers. We love our home and the land around it, and we hope you do too! We are open to both short-term and long-term stays. We thank you for sharing our space that we call the Crest Co-op, and we thank you for contributing to our never-ending-projects-fund.

94%

(955)

Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA

This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.

Black Canyon Family Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents53 acres · Ramona, CA

A few acres of natural land. There is a seasonal creek running through the area. It's a very quiet area. It's primitive, natural and we love it that way. The creek runs into the Cleveland national forest and down to the Mesa Grande Indian reservation. There is hiking and exploring! Come throw a tent up in one of the two camp sites or a hammock in the trees.. Hike the nature preserves in Santa Ysabel. Go to Wynola enjoy craft beverages, Josie's live music off the 76. Or just enjoy the peacefulness of the forest here and hike and reset your mind. The top 13 are residential, the bottom 40 will be open for exploring, camping, hiking and gardening! We are new homesteaders trying to do things more organically and real free range for our animals. We have a farm on the top 13 acres with cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. More animals will come soon. We will eventually like to offer food from our farm to our guests. That way they can actually see where the food comes from and how ours raised!

GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

104 sites · RVs, Tents74 acres · Jamul, CA

Discover the Joy of Nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm: Your Ultimate Mountain Escape! At GoodVibes Ranch and Farm, we offer a variety of camping options to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional tent camping, glamping units, or eco-friendly trailers, we have something for everyone. We also have a stargazing deck, picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and commercial kitchen available for use while camping. Our campground is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Jamul, California, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure. In addition to camping accommodations, we offer a range of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the surrounding hiking trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf or unwind with a friendly game of billiards. We pride ourselves on providing an affordable camping experience, making it the perfect choice for families or friends looking to gather and create lasting memories. Come and discover the joy of nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, your ultimate mountain escape!

86%

(138)

Beachin' Ranch Camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · San Diego, CA

Hello All Campers this is a self check in facility.... Camp host available from 7:30AM to 8:30AM and 3:00PM to 4:30PM only You can Call owner anytime (760)419-4839 Sorry we Don't have horse rentals but can offer guided rides through the area trails with pre arranged notice. So bring your horses and enjoy the ride D & J Stables is a family run facility created by Dick and Jenny Tynan in 2005. It is located on the Kimzey Family Ranch in San Diego. Since their passing, the Stables have been managed by their son Scott Tynan. Our stables offer a clean and quiet place for horse owners to board their precious companions - short or long term - or to serve as a weekend getaway for a person or group of friends/riders. Each Boarding Corral has walking space, shaded corners, automated water feeders, soft dirt, partially sheltered sides and is in close proximity to a round pen, a small arena (turnout) and is encompassed by a small walking track. No two corrals are close enough to each other for the horses to interact, reducing the likelyhood of mishap from a neighbor. Each Weekender Corral comes equipped with the same as the above, excepting only the partially sheltered side panels, and are right next to where you will be parking your trailer or camper. With access to all 38 miles of equestrian trails in the area and less than a 2 mile ride to the beautiful South San Diego beaches, D&J Stables is a prime location for horse men and women everywhere. We are excited to open up to the general public for the camping experience Horse ranch life style, Learn more about this land: Nestled against the mountains and beach of the San Diego/ Mexico border, open access to 38 miles of state beach trails and only 1.5 miles from the sands of Imperial Beach. We have pristine views and perfect weather San Diego is known for. D and J Stables is one of the last ranches with beach access to ride a horse on the beach. It's a rustic, one of a kind experience. Dogs are allowed but not in stable area thank you for your understanding.

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CA

About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.

Reid Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Vista, CA

Reid Ranch is located in North County less than 10 miles from the beach. You will have your own site with a private fire pit uniquely placed in the natural Granite rocks. Your experience will be one of a kind. So many activities near by. Close to numerous breweries and great wineries. I have lived in San Diego for over 30 years so I can give recommendations to the best of what San Diego has to offer. Downtown is a 45 minute drive or you have access to the train nearby. We have 2 hold tubs that can be added on that over look the coast. Located in the Mar Vista Valley only eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. We enjoy the best weather in the world. The ocean breeze along with gorgeous sunsets adds to the experience. Our private fire pit nestled in the granite boulders is truly one of a kind. We hope you come experience our slice of heaven for yourself soon.

Coastal Rancho Soledad

4 sites · RVs2 acres · Chula Vista, CA

Your perfect base camp to relax, "work" remotely, and explore San Diego from a coastal environment. Designed to welcome RVing guests in a "city-close but just far enough away" ranch-style setting. A must-stop refuge whether returning from your Baja expedition or starting a new one! ******************Conveniently located :-) 3 miles from bay marina/boat ramp 4 miles from Pacific Ocean beaches and State Park (Imperial Beach, Silver Strand, Coronado Beach) 5 miles from US/Mexico border Convenience and grocery stores within walking distance Public transportation and trolley line accessible *******************What to expect: County residential estate at the end of a private gravel road in a tree-lined valley through "rural looking" properties. Ample turn-around on site suitable for trailers and larger vehicles. Neighboring residential subdivision 200 feet away separated by hillside. A screened area with "classic" trucks and "legacy" equipment next to two shipping containers. An ambitious landscape design with planting in progress. ******************What we hope you find: A glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and a coastal breeze to greet you on arrival. Spaces for solitude and reflection. Spaces for conversation. Space for celebration. Please note 3D view from space on most mapping services is outdated (zombie-land-like landscape is no longer).

Provisions Farm

2 sites · RVs10 acres · Poway, CA

We are a small family farm in the middle of wineries in northern San Diego. We are only 5 miles from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Come stay between the avocado trees of our beautiful property and enjoy the beach and mountains of San Diego. We are near 50 wineries with beautiful views and places to eat.

88%

(24)

Lisa K.’s Land

1 site · RV2 acres · Spring Valley, CA

Learn more about this land: Urban camping spot with incredible views. Perfect for stealth vans and other smaller vehicles. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate travel trailers or Rvs at this time. Water, power, and sewer available. Property is close to freeways and stores. Also adjacent to nature preserve with moderate hiking trails, wildlife watching, and panoramic views. Site is at the top of a STEEP hill. Some maneuvering on your end will be required to get a vehicle in, but site is level once parked. Hookups are included but cannot be connected continuously. This is an URBAN camp spot meaning there will be some noise from the freeways and the city that's off in the distance. We live in a neighborhood so our neighbors sometimes make noise or have cars coming in and out.

94%

(53)

Mystic Canyon Inn

4 sites · Lodging1 acre · El Cajon, CA

Our home is eclectic, country, relaxed and homey. We are conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego and popular tourist attractions like Comic-Con, Balboa Park, the beautiful beaches and the world famous San Diego Zoo. 35 minutes east you will find beautiful Mount Laguna, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Pacific Crest Trail access and the town of Julian. About an hour east brings you to the desert, where natural beauty and recreation abound. 13 miles away, Viejas Casino boasts a beautiful outlet center. 4 miles away, Sycuan has a casino with entertainment and the golf resort of Singing Hills. Come enjoy the slower pace of the San Diego backcountry. If you are in the mood for a massage, Barbara is a therapist with amazing healing hands. (Please arrange in advance of your visit to ensure availability.) If you are a hiker and need a guide, Randy is an experienced Pacific Crest Trail hiker, who will be happy to assist with drop-off and pick-up in the local mountains, or whatever your hiking/backpacking needs are. Bikers of all kinds, frequently go by on Harbison Canyon Road, which is part of a larger biking loop. So, hike, bike or drive yourself to our little haven and say goodbye to the hustle and bustle! We enjoy talking to our guests, finding out about where they live and providing information on the local area. We do work during the week, but are usually around on the weekends.

Dog-friendly getaways

92%

(155)

The Crest Co-Op

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Spring Valley, CA

Hi! We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you! Please make sure you read this entire section to ensure a mutual fit. Please also make sure that you message us the type and length of your vehicle/camper/RV when sending a booking request. People that stay with us love our views. The view from our large driveway where you'll be parked faces north where you will see the 3 largest peaks in the region, and at the top of our driveway you can see the ocean and downtown San Diego. The sunsets are unreal! Our guests also love the recommendations. As avid travelers that fell in love with San Diego, we can offer recommendations for the best restaurants for any dietary situation, beaches, breweries, bars, surf spots, distilleries, coffee shops, hikes, or whatever you are into. When you submit a request or message, please let us know what kind of vehicle you have, especially the length. Please note that if the total length of your vehicle (for those with trailers that includes the length of the truck nad hitch) should be under 33 ft. This is a general guideline since we've found some people with larger vehicles struggle to turn around in our driveway. Also please let us know if you plan to use electricity or water, and add on the electricity since this costs us a lot of money. San Diego Gas and Energy charges the most for energy than anywhere else in the country (our average electricity bill is over $700 per month) so we unfortunately have to pass on some of these costs if you decide to plug in. Wifi and water are free. Last, if you tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking to do in San Diego we can try to make your stay more enjoyable with conversation and recommendations. A little about us: After spending a few years traveling around the world (mostly in a 20ft converted sprinter campervan) and working remotely, we chose San Diego to settle down and start a family. Our house is a fixer-upper with about an acre of land. We recently added a garden, citrus trees, grill, patio, and plan to add more amenities for campers. We love our home and the land around it, and we hope you do too! We are open to both short-term and long-term stays. We thank you for sharing our space that we call the Crest Co-op, and we thank you for contributing to our never-ending-projects-fund.

Black Canyon Family Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents53 acres · Ramona, CA

A few acres of natural land. There is a seasonal creek running through the area. It's a very quiet area. It's primitive, natural and we love it that way. The creek runs into the Cleveland national forest and down to the Mesa Grande Indian reservation. There is hiking and exploring! Come throw a tent up in one of the two camp sites or a hammock in the trees.. Hike the nature preserves in Santa Ysabel. Go to Wynola enjoy craft beverages, Josie's live music off the 76. Or just enjoy the peacefulness of the forest here and hike and reset your mind. The top 13 are residential, the bottom 40 will be open for exploring, camping, hiking and gardening! We are new homesteaders trying to do things more organically and real free range for our animals. We have a farm on the top 13 acres with cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. More animals will come soon. We will eventually like to offer food from our farm to our guests. That way they can actually see where the food comes from and how ours raised!

Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA

This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.

GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

104 sites · RVs, Tents74 acres · Jamul, CA

Discover the Joy of Nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm: Your Ultimate Mountain Escape! At GoodVibes Ranch and Farm, we offer a variety of camping options to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional tent camping, glamping units, or eco-friendly trailers, we have something for everyone. We also have a stargazing deck, picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and commercial kitchen available for use while camping. Our campground is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Jamul, California, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure. In addition to camping accommodations, we offer a range of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the surrounding hiking trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf or unwind with a friendly game of billiards. We pride ourselves on providing an affordable camping experience, making it the perfect choice for families or friends looking to gather and create lasting memories. Come and discover the joy of nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, your ultimate mountain escape!

San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA

As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space. It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip. The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher. We have multiple species of song birds. It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, or mountains, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer. Today there are just a few bees in the area.

Available this weekend

94%

(955)

Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA

This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

44 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CA

About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.

Black Canyon Family Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents53 acres · Ramona, CA

A few acres of natural land. There is a seasonal creek running through the area. It's a very quiet area. It's primitive, natural and we love it that way. The creek runs into the Cleveland national forest and down to the Mesa Grande Indian reservation. There is hiking and exploring! Come throw a tent up in one of the two camp sites or a hammock in the trees.. Hike the nature preserves in Santa Ysabel. Go to Wynola enjoy craft beverages, Josie's live music off the 76. Or just enjoy the peacefulness of the forest here and hike and reset your mind. The top 13 are residential, the bottom 40 will be open for exploring, camping, hiking and gardening! We are new homesteaders trying to do things more organically and real free range for our animals. We have a farm on the top 13 acres with cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. More animals will come soon. We will eventually like to offer food from our farm to our guests. That way they can actually see where the food comes from and how ours raised!

The Crest Co-Op

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Spring Valley, CA

Hi! We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you! Please make sure you read this entire section to ensure a mutual fit. Please also make sure that you message us the type and length of your vehicle/camper/RV when sending a booking request. People that stay with us love our views. The view from our large driveway where you'll be parked faces north where you will see the 3 largest peaks in the region, and at the top of our driveway you can see the ocean and downtown San Diego. The sunsets are unreal! Our guests also love the recommendations. As avid travelers that fell in love with San Diego, we can offer recommendations for the best restaurants for any dietary situation, beaches, breweries, bars, surf spots, distilleries, coffee shops, hikes, or whatever you are into. When you submit a request or message, please let us know what kind of vehicle you have, especially the length. Please note that if the total length of your vehicle (for those with trailers that includes the length of the truck nad hitch) should be under 33 ft. This is a general guideline since we've found some people with larger vehicles struggle to turn around in our driveway. Also please let us know if you plan to use electricity or water, and add on the electricity since this costs us a lot of money. San Diego Gas and Energy charges the most for energy than anywhere else in the country (our average electricity bill is over $700 per month) so we unfortunately have to pass on some of these costs if you decide to plug in. Wifi and water are free. Last, if you tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking to do in San Diego we can try to make your stay more enjoyable with conversation and recommendations. A little about us: After spending a few years traveling around the world (mostly in a 20ft converted sprinter campervan) and working remotely, we chose San Diego to settle down and start a family. Our house is a fixer-upper with about an acre of land. We recently added a garden, citrus trees, grill, patio, and plan to add more amenities for campers. We love our home and the land around it, and we hope you do too! We are open to both short-term and long-term stays. We thank you for sharing our space that we call the Crest Co-op, and we thank you for contributing to our never-ending-projects-fund.

GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

104 sites · RVs, Tents74 acres · Jamul, CA

Discover the Joy of Nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm: Your Ultimate Mountain Escape! At GoodVibes Ranch and Farm, we offer a variety of camping options to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional tent camping, glamping units, or eco-friendly trailers, we have something for everyone. We also have a stargazing deck, picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and commercial kitchen available for use while camping. Our campground is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Jamul, California, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure. In addition to camping accommodations, we offer a range of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the surrounding hiking trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf or unwind with a friendly game of billiards. We pride ourselves on providing an affordable camping experience, making it the perfect choice for families or friends looking to gather and create lasting memories. Come and discover the joy of nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, your ultimate mountain escape!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

90%

(53)

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Descanso, California

94%

(65)

Palomar Mountain State Park

Aguanga, California

95%

(76)

Cleveland National Forest

Descanso, California

96%

(82)

San Elijo State Beach

Encinitas, California

96%

(80)

South Carlsbad State Beach

Carlsbad, California

90%

(7)

Silver Strand State Beach

Coronado, California

Classic view from San Clemente Campground.

94%

(80)

San Clemente State Beach

San Clemente, California

89%

(98)

San Onofre State Beach

San Clemente, California

Hiking through Split Mountain to Elephants Knees, a 10mi hike to some geologic features I had no idea existed in California.

94%

(110)

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Borrego Springs, California

Camping near San Diego guide

Overview

It's easy to enjoy the best of the southern California lifestyle in sunny San Diego, just 30 minutes north of the California-Mexico border. A multicultural metropolis, it’s also blessed with a rich history, natural beauty, and more than 60 beaches and 70 miles of coastline. Mild temperatures and sunny weather makes it ideal for year-round camping and outdoor recreation. Numerous camping options within San Diego county and nearby make it easy for campers to spend the night under the stars, fall asleep to the soothing sound of the surf, or wake up under a canopy of trees.

Frequently asked questions about camping near San Diego

Can you camp overnight on the beach in San Diego?

Yes, you can go beach camping in San Diego in certain areas, but camping in the sand is pretty much forbidden on public land. Still, bluff-top beach campsites and RV spots can be booked at South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach, while Silver Strand State Beach offers only RV camping with water and electric hookups. It is illegal to sleep overnight at Mission Beach. Find more beach camping near San Diego.

Where can you camp for free in San Diego?

Most dispersed BLM camping near San Diego is free, but some campsites do require a fee, and Leave No Trace principles always apply. Cleveland National Forest allows permitted, dispersed camping, and within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near Julian (a 2-hour drive from the city), Fish Creek and Blair Valley Campground are popular primitive camping spots.

Are San Diego County Parks open for camping?

San Diego County Parks are open for camping, as are California state parks near San Diego like Cuyamaca Canyon State Park and Palomar Mountain State Park. Within San Diego County, you can go camping at nearly a dozen regional parks, including William Heise County Park, Agua Caliente County Park, and Guajome Regional Park, all of which have either camping cabins or tent campsites.

Where can I buy camping gear in San Diego?

San Diego is home to a number of camping goods stores, where you can buy camping supplies, backpacking gear, and RV essentials. Big names include REI in Clairemont, Walmart, 5.11 Tactical off of I-8 in Mission Valley, and Big 5 Sporting Goods (near Old Town), all in addition to the locally owned Nomad Ventures in Escondido. TopoTerra is a downtown San Diego outpost for camping gear rentals.

Is car camping legal in San Diego?

Car camping is illegal on San Diego city streets. Different from temporary camping, the city has a "vehicle habitation ban," meaning it is illegal to sleep overnight or live in a car in San Diego. It’s also illegal to park an oversized vehicle or RV overnight (between 2 and 6am) on public San Diego streets without a permit. Your safest bet for car camping in San Diego is in designated camping areas, like a private Hipcamp campsite just outside of town.

Can you camp anywhere in San Diego?

No, you cannot camp anywhere in San Diego County (even if car camping or backpacking), but camping is allowed in San Diego in some state parks, on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and on some private lands where you can find professional campgrounds, RV parks, or Hipcamps.

Where to go

San Diego and Coronado

Stay close to downtown San Diego at a private camping, glamping, or RV park, like the family-friendly Campland at Mission Bay. Across San Diego Bay, Silver Strand State Beach offers RV sites near Coronado, and further inland, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park has campsites with hookups and an aquatic playground. Stay in a floating cabin, or lakeside tent or RV site at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, or head near the border, where the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park offers campground, yurts, and a diverse ecosystem. For a unique experience, camp overnight in the San Diego Zoo.

Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Clemente

Head north along the coast for endless waves, sandy stretches, and the ultimate beach camping experience, with several public oceanfront camping options. Many beach campgrounds are situated on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and offer great ocean views and water access, along with picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and camp stores. Options include the popular San Elijo State Beach near Cardiff, South Carlsbad State Beach, San Onofre State State Beach, and San Clemente State Beach. In Oceanside, camp with your RV at Harbor Beach.

Julian

For a camping trip getaway in the mountains, head inland to the gold rush town of Julian. Go hiking and biking along the extensive trail network at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, or play in Lake Cuyamaca, with spacious camping spots at Green Valley and Paso Picacho. William Heise County Park offers tent camping, RV camping, and cabins, while you can enjoy a high desert camping experience at Vallecito County Park. Nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers hundreds of miles of trails, great stargazing, and developed, primitive, and dispersed campsites. For forests and wilderness camping, head north into the Cleveland National Forest.

When to go

San Diego's mild weather and many sunny days make it a year-round destination. It's especially busy over the summer when everyone flocks to the ocean and beaches, and the city hosts numerous festivals. Visit in spring and fall to escape the crowds, but still enjoy nice weather. Spring is also a great time for wildflowers in nearby Coronado, Carlsbad, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Expect some rain showers and cold ocean water in winter.

Know before you go

Although San Diego has a public bus and trolley system, you'll want a car to get around easily, especially to venture further up the coast or inland.
Beach campgrounds are very popular, especially in summer, so book campsites well in advance.
Be aware of fire restrictions and bans. Some beaches do not allow campfires.
Bring or rent a wetsuit if you plan on being in the water in winter.
Pets are prohibited at many San Diego beaches and park trails.